Bioengineered Skeletal Muscle for Functional Defect Replacement in Rodent Muscle Injury Model
While further studies are underway, these initial observations indicate the applicability of this technology, specifically illustrating that following surgical removal of ≈50% of the LD (Latissimus Dorsi) muscle, implanted TE-SKM (tissue engineered skeletal muscle) can recover ≈75% of the maximal isometric tetanic force observed in native muscles within 2 months of implantation. In summary, the rodent LD defect model appears to be relevant for further proof of concept studies exploring the utility of TE-SKM constructs in restoring function to skeletal muscle defects associated with volumetric muscle loss injury.
POTENTIAL IMPACT
Although the battle mortality rate for US forces has dropped from 30% in WWII to less than 10% in Afghanistan and Iraq, there has been a parallel increase in the number of seriously injured soldiers who survive with extraordinary injuries, especially complex and severe extremity and head/neck injuries. These traumatic
injuries are not adequately treated with current therapies and tissue engineering of skeletal muscle provides a viable alternative. As part of the Armed Forces Institute
for Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM), our TE-SKM technology is advancing the progress of the craniofacial reconstruction program
Bioengineering Eodothelialized Neo-Corneas
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Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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